Bob le Flambeur
Seen it?1956 | 103 min | Drama, Action, Crime
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and action fans. If you loved The Asphalt Jungle or The Night of the Hunter, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In Paris, Bob Montagne is practically synonymous with gambling -- and winning. He is kind, classy and well-liked by virtually everyone in town, including police inspector Ledru. However, when Bob's luck turns sour, he begins to lose friends and makes the most desperate gamble of his life: to rob the Deauville casino during Grand Prix weekend, when the vaults are full. Unfortunately, Bob soon learns that the game is rigged and the cops are on to him.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$41K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 26K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Asphalt Jungle
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed heist crime drama.
The Night of the Hunter Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed heist crime drama that fewer people know today.
Heist
Weeknight WatchAnother heist crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Ronin
Saturday SpecialAnother heist action film, and a Saturday Special.
Panic Room Saturday SpecialAnother heist crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville
- Roger DuchesneRobert 'Bob le Flambeur' Montagné
- Isabelle CoreyAnne
- Daniel CauchyPaulo
- Gérard BuhrMarc
- Guy DecomblePolice Commissary Ledru
- Claude CervalJean, the Croupier
- Howard VernonMcKimmie, the Sponsor
- Colette FleurySuzanne, Jean's Girlfriend
- Simone ParisYvonne
- René HavardInspector Morin